Favorite memories
In the grand scheme of a life and career, two or three years can pass in the blink of an eye, especially for graduate students in Health Policy and Management, where master's students hit the ground running towards whatever is next every year.
Before gathering for one last time, dealing with just one more request for a picture “for the newsletter and socials,” some of our graduating students took a break from studying for finals or writing one last paper to reflect on their time with HPM and share some memories.
One theme pushed by program leaders throughout students’ time here is to network, whether that’s among classmates, others in the school, at the University or people they meet out in the field. The idea is the same: “The next hand you shake could lead to your next job.” The students we talked to all say forming those connections has been crucial to their success.
“My favorite memories from my time at Pitt have been getting to know my fellow students at conferences, networking events, and HPMA events,” said Natalya Temple (MHA ’26). “Connecting with the class above mine and below mine was also such a highlight. It was so valuable to get mentorship insights from those above and be able to pass on my own advice to those below.”
“Over the last three years, I’ve had the invaluable opportunity to meet five cohorts, each of which has shaped my experience in meaningful ways,” adds Chloe Schur (MHA/MBA ’26). “I’ve built incredible connections with students across all cohorts and have leaned on them through personal, professional, and academic challenges.” During her first year, Schur was among the more than 20 HPM students who attended the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE) Annual Congress, which, despite being in Chicago, where there are millions of things to do, brought her closer to people in her cohort. “To this day, our group chat remains active, and we frequently organize meetups; people even fly into Pittsburgh just to reconnect. The friendships I’ve formed at Pitt are truly special, and I’m deeply grateful for the community this program has given me.”
MPH graduate Samantha Nigida says attending the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) conference in Washington, D.C., is a highlight of her tenure, because, in addition to networking, it gave her new and different insights into the field
“Being able to apply critical concepts from the conference allowed me to put these concepts into practice in the classroom,” said Nigida. “That allowed me to share a wider range of perspectives and expand on ideas using real-world examples from the conference.”
Raven Byars says being called on to compete in a case competition on short notice early in her studies, and what she learned from it, has stuck with her during her time as an MHA/MBA student.
“I unexpectedly went from being an observer to a team member while I was just a few months into the program,” she said. “Creating a solution to a complex health administration case as a new graduate student was like drinking water out of a fire hose—and I wouldn’t have had it any other way! It helped me understand how executives solve real-world issues in the health industry and expanded my network with other MHA students across the nation while helping me grow closer to my teammates.” She adds that it also allowed her to connect with the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), where she’s held a leadership position for the last two years.
Personal and professional growth
As they looked back on fond memories and challenges they’d overcome, the students reflected on how they’d grown and changed for the better, both as professionals and as people.
“Throughout my time at Pitt, I was able to work directly in the community through Street Med and a research lab. Working directly with the public and hearing their stories has been one of the most transformative parts of my growth,” said Nigida. “Listening to the community strengthened my ability to think critically and to recognize gaps between policy and implementation. By collaborating with community members and understanding true needs, my understanding of real-world implementation and its effects has grown. These opportunities will continue to stay with me as I move forward.”
Byars says it’s not just the classwork that allowed her to grow, a point echoed by her MHA classmates Temple and Schur.
“This program helped me realize that it’s not just about the skills you already have, it’s about the work ethic and dedication you have to learn something new that will benefit the team and the organization,” said Byars.
“I feel so prepared to enter the workforce and have learned both hard and soft skills that will help me move forward,” adds Temple, “Whether is understanding how to assess certain situations in healthcare to help all the stakeholders involved or just learning the art of networking, I feel that my outlook on healthcare in general, the workforce, and how I can make an impact has changed dramatically since the start of the program.”
“Through guest lectures, networking events, countless LinkedIn conversations with alumni, my residency at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, case competitions, and many other opportunities, I feel fully prepared to enter the workforce. Before starting at Pitt, I had 119 LinkedIn connections; today, I have over 700, reflecting the breadth of engagement and relationship-building this program encouraged and supported,” said Schur.
Picking Pitt
Out of the hundreds of programs they could have chosen, each of these four students chose HPM as their home for two or three years. They say several issues led them to decide Pitt was it.
“What really set Health Policy and Management apart was the dedication to professional growth and learning from experts in the field,” said Nigida. “From the very beginning, I was drawn to how the program prepares students for the workforce internationally, not just academically but professionally. HPM actively supports students through resume building, mock interviews, and internship guidance. Whether through advising, career preparation, or direct mentorship, HPM aims to help students succeed in their education and in the real world.”
During the time the students were part of the HPM, both master's programs remained ranked firmly in the Top 20 in their discipline by U.S. News & World Report, something they say is due to the way their programs are structured.
“The curriculum and ties to regional health systems stood out to me,” said Byars. “I knew that I’d be able to implement what I learned in the classroom and translate it to a professional setting during the program.”
“Pitt's program has continued to grow since I started researching what graduate program I wanted to pursue, and that is a testament to the tireless efforts of our program directors and the continual success of our students,” added Temple. “Getting the opportunity to do an extended residency was also a major draw for me to the Pitt program specifically, because opportunities like those are only offered at a handful of other programs across the nation.”
Schur says the faculty selected to teach courses also makes a huge difference for students. “One of the most valuable aspects of this program has been learning directly from subject matter experts who actively work in the fields they teach. UPMC Health Plan President of Medicare Products and HPM lecturer Angela Perri brought real-world depth to our insurance coursework. In contrast, HPM alums and lecturer Mike Evans, who is also managing principal of Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC, consistently introduced us to guest speakers ranging from project managers to CEOs across major health systems. The level of executive exposure we’ve received is extraordinary. Because of this, I feel confident, not intimidated, when speaking with senior leaders.”
Words of advice
As they make the transition from students to alums, each student has this advice for those who follow:
Raven Byars: “Join one or two professional organizations that resonate with your health industry interests. These organizations are nationally (and sometimes even internationally) incorporated, so it’s a great way to expand your network. It’s even better to become an active, involved member so you can form lasting relationships with your local chapter.”
Samantha Nigida: “As future public health officials, it’s vital to understand the community impact of policies. That’s why I urge every student to go out and work with communities here in Pittsburgh. A lot of what we learn can feel abstract, but by working with the public, you can see how it translates into real life. Whether it’s through Street Medicine, internships, or volunteer work, these experiences will teach you things you can’t fully get in a classroom.”
Chloe Schur: “Take every opportunity to expand your skill set. Build relationships with alums early. Say 'yes' to every project during your residency. Form genuine connections with your professors. Be a dependable leader and remember that your classmates are part of your professional network; you never know when your paths will cross again. Stay curious, ask questions freely, and pursue your passions early and boldly.”
Natalya Temple: “Take advantage of all the exposure you get as a student to alumni, guest speakers, and peers in the industry. You will never get another chance to meet so many people from different areas, all with a common tie to Pitt or Pittsburgh! The relationships you build throughout your career can take you so far.”
-Mike Friend